Lakemba’s Haldon Street has become a night marketplace since Ramadan began earlier this month, with stall holders selling traditional foods to customers who are flocking from all over the city.
One of the most popular delicacies is the camel burger, which Moeid Khan will travel 20 kilometres from Parramatta three times this month to eat.
“It tastes absolutely beautiful. I do travel out with my cousins to come for a feed at night time,” Khan said.
400 of the burgers are sold every night, and are often washed down with bottles of carrot juice, or a cup of sahlab for the sweet tooths.
“This is the Mecca you might say of muslim activity at this time of year,” said Canterbury Mayor Brian Robson. “The shops are open virtually all night, and the streets as you can see are just full of people who are shopping and enjoying themselves."
Like most shop owners along the strip, Mohammad Abid will keep his Bangladeshi restaurant open until 2AM, making the most of happy customers who are ready to spend up.
“Our business will double or triple up, during this month,” he said.
But there are concerns some people are losing the true meaning of Ramadan.
Jinan Diab from the Lebanese Muslim Association said it is unfortunate when devout Muslims splurge on food in sundown hours during Ramadan.
“The essence of Ramadan is to have a spiritual connection with God, not a splurging connection with food,” he said.
Six-year-old Tasneam El-Chami is still learning about fasting. This week she managed to get through her first full day of not eating or drinking.
“In the morning it’s hard but when you get used to it, it’s easy,” she said.
Sahlab in a pot at Lakemba's Haldon Street markets (SBS) Source: SBS
Cooking Jalebi at Lakemba's Haldon Street markets (SBS) Source: SBS
Putting Nutella on Saj bread (SBS) Source: SBS
Cooking camel burgers at Lakemba's Haldon Street market (SBS) Source: SBS
Men eating camel burgers during Ramadan (SBS) Source: SBS
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